What does colour mean to you?

I was thinking about colours the other day and wondered 'what does colour mean to other people'? When I say the word 'colour' what comes to your mind?

For me, it is nature first and foremost. All of the colours of plants, birds, butterflies and the sea, sky and moon. The way light plays off water, sun streams through the trees or the fleeting sight of a rainbow. Flowers particularly come to mind at this time of year when spring is settling in and the sun is shining more after a long grey winter.

Yet I know colour can mean more significant social things to many. The colour of your skin can have a large impact on how you are perceived in different cultures. In the UK we have a lot of multicultural areas, but also a lot of places where skin colour still separates people. When I have been to other countries (often for work) where I am one of few white females, I have felt the colour of my skin, sometimes it's just more that I've been seen as a novelty (which in itself is a little odd at first) but others I have realised what non-white skinned people must feel in the UK at times (feelings of being watched, observed and being a 'second class citizen'). I feel deeply saddened that this is still such a part of society.

I also know colour can have spiritual meanings. So for anyone who knows about Chakra's and Aura's there are colours associated with each chakra and aura layer of the body e.g., red for the root (grounding) chakra. Colours can also be used for mental health benefit, e.g. purple for calmness, especially when used in association with scents (think lavender).

So, where am I going with my random story? Partly, I'm just hoping to make people think, partly I'm wanting to share my thoughts, and finally, I wish to share two 'poems' I wrote thinking of the colours Green and Yellow the other day.

Green - leaves, trees, grass, plants in general. All are green. Green means abundance, an abundance of life, of growth, of a world able to provide all she should. Green means a healthy nature.

Green also means love. It is our heart chakra. Where there is magic - the magic to connect through the heart to others, to spirit and to astral planes.

Green - to grow, to change, to go beyond!

Yellow - such a vibrant, happy colour. The colour of sunshine and summer days. The colour of daffodils and gorse in spring, of primroses underfoot. a harbinger of better days.

Yet also the colour of comfort and candle-light. of warmth and soft candle flames and honey. Of the memories of being in the womb or the egg. Of safety.

The colour of our solar plexus chakra, of our will. The seat of our soul.

Yellow - a healing colour!

I hope this reaches someone :)